HIM OR ME!

I was 30 years old when I met the one. My name is Andor Jupiter. I am a high elf and we are what humans would call royalty. I am the eldest son of his majesty King Eli and Queen Eleanor, also twin to the first princess, Irene. He is from a noble line of warriors sworn to protect the Royal family, Okeanos Dukedom. They are a branch family of royalty. We were introduced to become friends. When I saw him as I stepped away from my mother I was dazzled. The only other person my age I had been around was my twin sister, which seemed like it didn't count because she was a part of me. Seeing such a rugged masculine man was unusual to say the least. Most men I had seen until the point were mostly delicate in looks and physique. He was tall, at least 6ft 3in. He had shining blue hair like a calm ocean wave to show his royal lineage. His defined jawline was so sharp it could cut glass. Eyes were a honey hazel that was a light with as much curiosity about me as I had for him. It was there that I fell for Kellan Okeanos.

After that we were inseparable, I loved going on adventures through the forest. We hunted, rode our horses, read many a book and just napped if we felt so inclined. My sister would sometimes join us but usually I liked to keep Kellan to myself. I loved him and my sister more than anything, those were my happiest days. Little did I know that our 90th birthday would be the start of the most tortuous time in my life. As the eldest children of the royal couple our birthday would be celebrated as nothing less than the most extravagant affair of the year. I entered the main hall after being introduced after my parents on the arm of my twin Irene. We spotted our best friends Amali and Xander.

"Happy Birthday to you Princess Irene and Your Highness Andor." said Amali

"Thank you Amali." said Irene with a sincere smile. The two girls have been close for as long as Kellan and I. Amali is the daughter of the Prime Minister and is often in the palace due to the fact that her mother was sickly.

"I also wish to extend well wishes to the Prince and Princess." stated Xander. He is the adopted son of the consort from house Nephele. He was adopted some 30 years ago, after his parents were killed by human bandits while traveling. He was thought to be dead but luckily found by a merchant traveling to the kingdom. He was then adopted by his aunt. He is technically a prince but only in name, as he has no claim to the throne.

"Thank you Xander and Amali. I'm always happy to spend my day with the two of you." I say joyfully.

"Now we are only missing one person who must have blended in the crowd after arriving with his parents," said Amali. She gave me a knowing smile. Everyone knows Kellan and I are attached at the hip.

"Speaking of him, I've spotted him getting chatted up by the eligible daughters of nobles." giggled Irene.

"What kind of friend would I be if I didn't save him during his time of need." I said while smiling and walking in his direction. They all laughed then. I see Kellan standing in a circle made up of women with a smile as fake as some of these nobles who claim good intentions. He looked up as if he sensed my presence coming near. His smile turns real as he stares at me and I swear the crowd of ladies gasp. Not that I blame them when he smiles, my world lights up too. I finally reach the crowd and Kellan speaks first.

"Your Highness Andor!" he exclaims. "I was on my way to give my congratulations to you and the princess. Well as you can see I obviously was derailed by such lovely companions." he gives a small forced smile. His screams take me away from here. Who am I not to help a friend ?

"Lord Kellan if you wouldn't mind stepping away from such alluring creatures as these for some time. My sister was beginning to think you no longer remembered us on our day." I said with a mischievous grin.

He smiles a sly grin back, knowing that she could care less about those wishes. "I would never want to disappoint her Highness. Let us make haste so i do not provoke her wrath." Looking back at the ladies he gives them a wink and strolls away with me.

"How can you try to out charm me in front of those ladies?" I said.

"Let's face facts my dear prince, I can charm almost anyone I set my eyes on." he says to me with a smug grin. I roll my eyes so he can know how obnoxious I think he is. Only to be melting from his words on the inside.

"I sir am not charmed neither is my dear sister so i'm sure that you can not be such a charmer." He leans in close to my ear about a breath away.

He says "I can change that about you and me Andor. It will only take but a few minutes to see if you are as resistant to my charms as you claim." He blows his breath on the outer shell of my ear. I want to pull him close and feel his warmth. To have him near speaking more seductive words and innuendos, while I quiver, pant, and ache to have him. I've been dancing around these feelings for several years, waiting to see if he felt what I did. To want me for more than just companionship, to desire me as I yearn for him. He sneakily caresses my fingers with near miss touches as we walk towards our friends and my sister.

"Well wishes to you Princess Irene." he says with a formal bow. She smiles and accepts his wishes. "May I steal your brother away for a moment. There is something spectacular in the garden that he must see." he says with a suspicious glint in his eyes.

"Please by all means Lord Kellan. He was having a dreadful time, maybe you can lift his spirits with such a spectacular sight." she said.

He pulls me out of the ballroom swiftly but hurriedly so as to not arouse suspicion. We make our way to the center of the royal rose garden where roses of all colors reside to make a beautiful mosaic. He stops after he decides it's far enough. He turns around to address me.

"Andor I have a confession. I know that you have been charmed by me and are in love with me." I stand shocked to my very core. I knew my feelings were somewhat obvious but I never expected him to confront me this way about them. "I have another confession. I have been charmed by you since I saw you that day some 60 years ago. Those glowing blue eyes staring at me as if I was watching a live blue flame dance with curiosity. Your delicate face is so beautiful yet so masculine. I was entranced. I ask you, my Andor, best friend and confidant would you have me as your lover." he pleaded so desperately.

I stood in front of him with tears burning my eyes. "Yes Kellan, I will be yours." I say crying. He loves me. He feels the same. He is mine. All my thoughts are rushing forward. I feel a happiness pooling through me. He runs to me, catching my lips, giving me my first kiss.I think today could not get any better. We return to the ballroom, sticking close together not close enough to cause rumors. We have to keep our reputations clear until we can discuss our relationship with our parents. I see my parents next to Irene and our friends as we are walking in. My father has an excited smile and my mother is also smiling sincerely. I wonder what good news my parents have to share. As we reach them my father begins to address the room.

"What's going on Irene?" I whisper. She gives a forced smile and tells me that our engagements have been decided as of this evening. I look stricken but I smooth it over like i was taught and give a small smile to the crowd.

"My loyal subjects as you know the Queen and I love our dear Irene and Andor. They are the shining examples of young royalty. As they are about to reach adulthood. I have decided to choose my successor when they reach age 100. From then on they will be known as the Crown Prince or Princess. As such the engagements to both my children have been decided and shall be announced henceforth." He proclaimed.

"Prince Andor shall wed Lady Amali Rhanis!"

"Princess Irene shall wed Lord Kellan Okeanos!"

"Let us drink and toast to such wondrous occasions!" The King exclaimed.

"This can't be real, '' said my sister and I.